1864 2C Small Motto, BN PR(PCGS#3624)

The November 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3030

等级

PR63BN

价格

190,493

详细说明

Rare and Desirable Choice Proof 1864 Small Motto Two-Cent Piece 1864 Two-Cent Piece. FS-401. Small Motto. Proof-63 BN (PCGS). Attractive medium light brown throughout with tinges of mint color and a few trivial specks when closely examined, ever so common to these early copper coins. These were among the first struck in 1864, with Proofs issued to launch the denomination. Apparently the Motto lettering was seen to be too small, and new dies soon sported the larger lettering size. In Proof grades a mere 20 to 30 Small Motto coins exist, somewhat akin to soon to be issued 1866 Rays Shield nickels, where the rays were dropped early in 1867 creating a similar prized rarity for collectors to aspire to own. Fully and completely struck by the dies, with classic Proof precision. Doubled on WE of the Motto as well as the border below, other areas to but less dramatic. A rare issue in Proof and a coin that should not be underestimated.Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers Once again the opportunity word comes to the fore. Over a long period of years I have handled Proof 1864 Small Motto two-cent pieces on perhaps a dozen or more occasions, compared to perhaps half that number of Proof 1864 cents with L on the ribbon and twice or more that number of 1867 With Rays Proof nickels. This trio comprises the "big three" of minor Proof classics of the era. The present coin will be just right for someone seeking this grade level. PCGS# 3624. PCGS Population: 1; 3 finer (PR-65 Brown finest) within the Brown designation.